Makerere University gets books worth sh2.5b

By Innocent Anguyo and  O. Namukwaya

In a bid to match its growing reputation as the leading university in Africa outside South Africa, Makerere University has acquired a substantial stock of books worth over sh2.5b.

Prof. Maria Musoke, the chief librarian, said the books were among those that struck a chord with the university’s new research-led teaching approach.

“We did research on the usage of books in the library and it emerged that some of the books we have acquired are among those in the top tier of the reading list of both students and lecturers,” said Prof. Musoke.

She disclosed that the books were acquired with a donation of over $1m (over sh2.5b) from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Carnegie is a grant-making foundation in the United States associated with libraries among other projects.

The books are stocked in the new Makerere University library extension that comes with an additional 8,000 sq. metres of space. It is fitted with good facilities.

The library also has a visitors’ lounge with exotic furniture, a canteen, a special area for speaking on phone and several art pieces.